Who’s running for school board?
Posted by Matt Yonke (March 31, 2009 at 12:26 pm)
One of the central issues in the fight against HB2354 is the impact it could have on our kids by way of the mandatory sex-ed it would impose on all Illinois public schools.
With that in mind, who’s running for school board in your area? Do you know the candidates? Do you know where they stand on comprehensive sex-ed and other issues that effect Illinois families?
What can you do to foster a pro-life school board?
If you do know, post what you know about the candidates in the comments section below so others can benefit. If you don’t know, find out and report back with the information.
- To find out who’s running, can check with your local board of elections or election commission.
- Call candidates in your area and ask them their position on sex-ed, their position on parental involvement in sex-ed curriculum and any other issues you think would be important to Illinois families.
- Post your findings in the comment section below.
Together, we can be informed voters and impact Illinois for the good of families.
Quad City Right to Life surveys local candidates who have opponents. The school board survey asked questions regarding implementation of an abstinence-based sex education curriculum, the use of school district resources to advocate, counsel for or assist in the performance or procurement of an abortion, school-linked health clinics which counsel for and/or provide birth control and/or abortions, and a policy requiring pro-life views regarding abortion and euthanasia to be included in a fair way, and that pro-life organizations be afforded “equal access” if these issues are addressed by other organizations. Three candidates responded, all with 100% pro-life answers: Joni Wallace, Riverdale Dist. #100, Owen Engstrom, Sherrard Dist. #200, and Gregory A. Shouse, East Moline Dist. #37. To have the complete voter guide e-mailed, contact me at stopabortn@aol.com.
March 31st, 2009 at 8:18 pm
You should also mention that library trustee candidates need to be checked out as well. Are they pro-life? If not, they won’t care about PP being involved with the local library. How do they feel about sex ed/pro homosexuality books being open for check out to minors or porn being blocked on the internet? Very important stuff!!!
March 31st, 2009 at 9:14 pm
NAPERVILLE DISTRICT 203–DAVE WEEKS
EDITED RESPONSE TO IL FOCA & PERSONAL BELIEFS:
I have to admit that I was unaware of this bill so I am grateful that you brought it to my attention. I went to the web site and signed the petition there and then went to the state sight to see who is sponsoring the bill - thankfully none of the politicians that I know. I would 100% oppose this bill.
. . . my understanding of 203’s approach to in school education on this topic, as it has been explained to me by the administration below. . . one of the first things I will do if elected is to verify how this is all being handled, including personally reading the textbooks being used.
I have been told that abstinence is the base of the education and where they start. Of course, the attitude of the teacher is going to be very important and something I think we also need to be aware of. Your other questions relate to textbooks being used (I think this is what you mean, really, by curriculum) and parental involvement. It is the responsibility of the School Board to sign off on all text books that are used. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum to notify the School Board of any “controversial topic” contained in any of the textbooks being used. There was recently a suggestion on the board that this requirement be dropped. I would strongly oppose that. I think it is absolutely essential the board members know what is going on. It is the board’s responsibility to set policy for the district - and that is what is supposed to be reflected in our curriculum.
I have also been assured that parents and students can “opt out” of either class or a given text book. I.e. if one wants to be excused from the sex education part of health education the school will excuse the student. Now, to make that meaningful there has to be good communication between the school and parents. I have already expressed my concern to the administration that this is done on a proactive basis…not waiting until someone “discovers” something objectionable.
The other area that students/parents have “opt out” privileges is with textbooks that might be objectionable. So if there is a book that deals with the “sexual revolution”, for instance, a student should be able to choose not to participate in that. I would strongly support this and will aggressively object to any effort for this to be withdrawn. Again, my concern would be that this is seen as an absolute right of the parent/student ant that the school is proactive in their communication regarding this.
Now, as far as involvement in our schools for Planned Parenthood I would definitely be against this. If at any time that presented a legal problem, then at the very least I would insist on some other organization, e.g. PIC, to be given equal access to speak for life. The critical thing is that we promote dialogue within our families. I know that the problem comes when there may not be a real family presence, but we can’t forfeit the opportunity for family involvement for the majority of students simply because there is a minority that won’t take advantage of it.
. . . my personal conviction is one of absolute respect for life. One reason I am probably pretty radical about that is one of my daughters is adopted! Again, this is my personal conviction and stand. As a board member, however, I will have a responsibility to uphold all the laws that govern us. That is why I think it is so vital for us to head off the opposition at the point of legislation, like you are doing.
In conclusion, Michelle, please know that I will be a strong, clear voice for life in whatever endeavor I am involved in.
March 31st, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Rockford School Board– Frank Hood, is Pro life.
In a recent discussion, door to door, he said he was prolife, and quote “Abortion is Murder” and he said he wants to protect Religious Holidays in the school system, and gave the example of St. Patrick’s Day, as “Potato Day” now. He has 40 yrs. experience in the school systems.
March 31st, 2009 at 11:10 pm
District 204, Naperville/Aurora has 4 seats out of 7 up for grabs. I went to the districts web site and found most of the candidates had not done their homework. Out of the 13 candidates running only 6 had web pages. Of thoes only 3 gave a phone number. I called these and got a responce from one Christine Vickers. She is up for re-election and seemed middle of the road when I asked her about the abstinence only program. I may still hear from the others and will let you know. My concern is with four candidates in particular, Heburn, Moscato, Difusco and Jerry Huang. I have recieved two fliers grouping these four, put out by the Civic Coalition of Aurora and Naperville. I have not been able to find out any other information about these people or the organization putting out the fliers. Does anyone out there know anything about these folks? They are the only ones I’ve gotten fliers on in regard to the school board. They do not have web sites.
April 1st, 2009 at 12:22 am
I am running for the school board of district 200 (Wheaton-Warrenville). I support parental involvement and oppose the agenda of sexual revolution as represented by Alfred Kinsey and Planned Barrenhood. The school authorities should treat homosexuality as a mental disorder and a pernicious disease rather than an alternative lifestyle. I am happy to answer any other questions.
April 1st, 2009 at 9:23 am
For Dist. 131, you can look at the East Aurora school distrct 131 web site, and look under school board canidates. They had a forum. My computer wouldn’t let me look at the forum, so I hope you can!
Mary
April 1st, 2009 at 5:11 pm
James Gates, Oak Park district 97 is pro-life.
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
Does anyone Know anything about the candidates from Crystal Lake District 155, Cary District 26, the Mchenry Regional School Board? I have been searching for their contact information and have been unsuccessful. Thanks
April 2nd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
DISTRICT 203–LYNN HODAK
EDITED RESPONSE
It is hard to answer these questions because there are so many issues surrounding all of them. Plus - there are some issues I am not completely informed on regarding District policy - but if I am on the Board, I will get more informed and ask the right questions.
I would put this forward - I think that the District’s program involving sex education offers information - not guidelines or advice. I believe that abstinence education is involved with the program as well. I also understand that when we order textbooks, there is a review by the teachers and staff and then there is a review of the books for the public. If there is concern voiced by either teachers or the public, the Board gets involved. So, therefore, I believe that there is parental involvement in the curriculum and the ordering of textbooks if they wish to be involved. I am unaware if Planned Parenthood has been invited to the school or not, but after the Ayre’s debacle I am supporting a new policy to assure that any speaker brought into the school is approved by the Administration.
In the end, I do know that as a Board member, I will listen to all members of the community.
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Mark Bradford is running in School Dist.129 West Aurora, I understand he is pro-life.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:35 am
Yes, Mark Bradford is definitely a pro-life Christian and father of 4 young sons in West Aurora School District 129.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Kathi, I live in district 204 too but haven’t had time to get the information. Let us know if you find out anymore info. I don’t have kids because I’m single but I’m a concern aunt of a 10 and 12 year old but they live in Indiana.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Friday, April 03, 2009
Because of the lack of information in our local media in regards to the candidates’ opinion on the life issues, a group of us from Saint Elizabeth Seton decided to perform our own survey. Following is the results of that survey.
Naperville City Council:
Pro life candidates:
Ken Bochenski
Paul Hinderlong
Charles Schneider
Bill Eagan
Kevin Lynch
Pro choice Candidates:
Raj Durga
Kamala Martinez
Candidates who didn’t respond:
Judith Brodhead
James DerKacy
Patti Gustin
Doug Kurse PP supported him when he ran for state representative.
Timothy Messer
Kenn Miller
Joe McElroy
Janet Trowbridge
Jim Boyajian
School District 203:
Pro life candidates:
Dave Weeks
Jim Dennison
Pro choice Candidates:
Lynn Hodak
Candidates who didn’t respond:
Susan Crotty Incumbent Board VP voted for current sex education program.
Jackie Romberg Apt. to board when only pro-life member who voted against sex program resigned.
Michael DelCiello
Nancy Drapalik
Steve Deutsch
Patti Mathesewson
Merle Siefken
School District 204:
No candidate responded:
Naperville Park Board:
Pro choice Candidates:
Jim Ensign
No other candidates responded
The following information in regards to the election of College of Dupage Trustees was not part of our survey it was sent to us. It is worth reading.
NOTICE TO DUPAGE COUNTY
In the upcoming local election, there will be the chance to vote for College of DuPage Trustees . As you may know, there is a very active group of liberals who are trying to get into COD and institute a more liberal agenda on campus. When you vote, there will not be a “R” or “D” next to the candidates names so you will not know who to pick.
The York Township Republicans have given the following pick list of conservatives: Mark J Nowak, Allison O’Donnell, Michael E McKinnon, Michael V. Ledonne.
What you can do: Take a cheat sheet to the polling place so you are sure to vote for the correct candidates.
April 4th, 2009 at 1:13 am
I drafted a resolution, which passed the committee level and is on the consent agenda for formal approval later this month, calling on my K-12 board to take a public stance in opposition to HB 2354. Rep. Franks, a co-sponsor of the bill, has a small number of constituents in my district. As a Conservative on a public school board I often feel like I’m inside the belly of the Liberal beast. But the defeat (if only temporary) of HB 2354, and my board’s approval of this resolution, are examples of what can be accomplished when we stand up for what’s right and provide respectful and articulate arguments. Here is the resolution:
“The Board of Education for Consolidated School District #158 opposes HB 2354. We believe the provisions in this bill amending the School Code by removing the teaching of “sexual abstinence until marriage”, and adding the requirement for school districts to provide “comprehensive sexual health education” are wholly inappropriate. These requirements take critical local control authority away from school districts, and the District 158 Board of Education strongly encourages our legislators to vote against passage of this bill.”
Keep up the good work everyone!
Shawn Green
BOE President CSD#158
sgreen@district158.org
April 4th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Any guidance on School District #308 candidates:
Julie Mueller
Laurie Pasteris
Eric Strong
David Behrens
Sue Bertrand
Lynn Cullick
Paul Hoekstra
Mike Scaramuzzi
April 5th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Thank you to Linda for supplying so much information regarding Naperville 203 and 204 districts. It has been extremely helpful and enlightening. I think it is time for me to start attending these school board meetings so that I can hear what is really going on and to be even more informed for the next election.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Last Friday night, I spoke to Judith Brodhead, running for Naperville City Council. She said that she is pro-choice.
April 7th, 2009 at 11:59 am
The League of Women Voters, with which some Illinois candidates are affliated, has fought against overturning Roe V. Wade, and has also fought against parental notification laws. See the link: http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=10000
April 7th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I appreciate this forum very much. The entries are very informative.
Below I am copying an email exchange that I had with District 203 Board member, Susan Crotty, in 2007 concerning a text book that I felt was inappropriate. I was very surprised by her response.
From: Phyllis Sent: Mon 2/19/2007 11:17 PM
To: Susan Crotty; Dean Reschke; James Caulfield; Suzyn Price; Debra Shipley; Mike Davitt; Gerry Cassioppi; Alan Leis
Subject: Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology
Dear District 203 board members
As the mother of five children, four of whom are currently District 203 students, I am writing concerning the upcoming debate and vote on textbook adoption for school year 2007-2008, especially concerning the textbook, Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology.
Researching the contents of this textbook, and following the public comments made on the issue, I have come to the decision that public monies should not be used to purchase this textbook, nor should this textbook be used in any of our classrooms, since it contains materials and opinions not in conformity with accepted scientific language and because important sections of its material and tone are not politically neutral, but rather are politically biased on very sensitive issues.
I strongly urge you not to approve this text and to allow further time and input for finding a scientifically careful and exact text, one that does not mix the teaching of science with that of political agenda.
As example of material which uses improper and incorrect scientific terms, the sections referring to the “fertilized egg” would apply. This term is not scientifically correct and is politically charged. In the current reproductive and genetic debates this term detracts from anyone who would hold that from conception there is a new human life, a human in the embryonic stage, one that should be afforded the same protection and rights as all other human persons.
In another section, the text presents contraception in a politically charged tone. It confuses abortifacients with contraceptives, it publicizes the very controversial Planned Parenthood and it incorrectly reports that there are no side effects to the RU486 abortion pill. First of all, many consider that there is always a complication with RU486…that of the death of an unborn baby, secondly, there have been adult deaths associated with the pill as well as fears of long term effects on the reproductive futures of the women using RU486. Please see the New York Times article on this issue.
Important to note is that the three page section on contraception affords only three lines to abstinence. This is interesting considering that District 203 prides itself on teaching an abstinence based curriculum in its sexual education curriculum. This three page section also repeatedly refers to Natural Family Planning Methods as Rhythm Methods. This is not a scientifically accurate term, but rather is a very outdated and politically loaded term.
Again I urge you to not approve the text, Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology, and I urge you to allow community input on finding a text that is scientifically accurate and politically neutral.
I thank you for your time and for all you do for our world class school district.
Sincerely
Phyllis
From: Susan Crotty [mailto:scrotty@naperville203.org]
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 10:42 AM
To: Phyllis
Subject: RE: Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology
Phyllis,
Sorry about that I have been trying to respond to all my emails as I feel it is part of my elected duties wherever possible.
Your reasoning for voting no on the text book is flawed - the right is a granted as a 1st Amendment Right - RU486 and Abortion are not illegal. This is a science class not religion. Are you going to stop riding in cars because over 45,000 people died last year in car accidents? Should our kids not be allowed to drive cars to school or have access to drivers ed??? Where does it end???
Susan
Susan Crotty
Board of Education
Naperville District 203
630-778-7002
scrotty@naperville203.org
http://www.naperville203.org
From: Phyllis
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 1:06 PM
Subject: RE: Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology
Dear Ms Crotty
Thank you again for your time in answering my email from this morning. I can only imagine how much time this takes in responding to all the issues facing the board.
I do want to respond, though to your comments, so that I can clarify my position on the approval of the Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology. It was not clear from your response if my initial email had been understood. For this reason I am also copying the other board members on this reply.
I am not asking for a discussion on the legality of RU 486 or abortion, I am asking that the text not be approved “since it contains materials and opinions not in conformity with accepted scientific language and because important sections of its material and tone are not politically neutral, but rather are politically biased on very sensitive issues.”
I am not sure how being scientifically accurate involves a discussion on the First Amendment, teen drivers or accident fatalities.
Again, thank you for your time in listening to the voters and tax payers on this issue.
Phyllis
April 7th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Wow. Notice how the liberal school board member immediately inserts religion, despite the fact the parent did not mention religion at all! Could that be because the “right” to have an abortion IS a religion to some people? You folks have your hands full in D203. I’m still trying to figure out who thought it would be a good idea to have William Ayers speak at the high school.
Good luck, and keep fighting the good fight!
sgreen@district158.org
April 8th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Thank you to the group from St. Elizabeth Seton! The information they were able to get from their research was very helpful to us.
April 8th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
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March 17th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
ну да, неплохой пост :). как думаете, завтра Арсенал победит манукунианцев ? з.ы. жаль по обычному телевидению не посмотришь…
придётся идти в бар, где есть спутниковое
April 7th, 2010 at 10:41 am